Pregnant and at risk of redundancy

[Dugster79]

I realise people have asked similar questions on this topic but I would appreciate specific advice.

I've been in my job for one year this week and I'm now 12 weeks pregnant. My employer knows as I was unwell early on and thought it safer to avoid the assorted risks that can come with testing products out in my job.

Last week I received notice of risk of redundancy and I am devastated as I will be entitled to practically zip all. I am the main breadwinner at home and I was only going to receive SMP anyway but at least I had 6+ months to get our finances in order in preparation.

My employer is doing a scoresheet thing to justify giving me and 3 others at Head Office the heave-ho, so I would struggle to prove discrimination and I just feel like it's going to play out with me receiving the bare minimum and being left stranded. I can't apply for any new permanent roles elsewhere as it would be dishonest not to disclose my pregnancy (plus second child so it's quickly becoming apparent).

Any advice would be appreciated.

I was in a similar situation, however I was told my job was at risk 5 days after giving birth. I also had almost 10 years service. You will have to look at your employment contract, but usually you will have to be in a job for at least 2 years to get the redundancy package. When you are told your job is at risk, there is a period that you can ask questions. Use this time, you might find as my employer did that they will avoid answering specific questions, but still pit them forward.

My advice would be to write a list of questions and present them to your employer, look at internal jobs and apply, they should be giving you first refusal. I would also try to seek independent legal advice. This is usually free in law centres that's are around the country.

I am abit surprised that they are risking stress within your pregnancy to put you through this

Does your employer know your are pregnant. The minimum they will give you would be holiday, your notice, and your full smp.

If they are doing scorecards it's basically to prove they have assessed all candidates equally. So, you job is at risk, and 3 others but they would have said how many head counts are going? Surely not all, I had this done, they assess your knowledge, your skills, qualifications etc so they get rid of the weakest link.